Students Must Have a CV & Portfolio? Check Out The Reasons Why!

CV and portofolio illustration (Created with Canva)

When you are still in higher education, you might think that Curriculum Vitae (CV) and portfolio are not important. Many think, “I'll just graduate tomorrow.” In reality, life after college requires careful preparation long before graduation day arrives. In fact, many internship opportunities, scholarships, and other programs require a solid CV and portfolio from the start. So, why not start now?

This article will outline the importance of preparing a CV and portfolio since college, as well as simple steps to get started.

1. Why Starts Now?

Your CV and portfolio reflect your academic journey, experience and skills. By preparing them early, you:

• Can monitor your progress from one semester to the next.
• Be prepared for sudden opportunities that arise (such as internships, competitions, scholarships, or conferences).
• Learn to evaluate your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Appear more professional and planned in the eyes of recruiters or program selection committees.

2. What to Include in CV?

Even if you don't have much work experience, you can still fill your CV with the following information:

• Personal and contact information.
• Education history.
• Participation in organizations and committees.
• Internship or part-time work experience
• Academic and non-academic achievements.
• Certificates and online courses taken.
• Language skills as well as technical skills (such as software, design, etc.).

Tip: Use concise and professional language. Avoid too long explanations, just give short and clear points.

Also Read: Busy? Watch This Tips to Study Effectively!

3. Tangible Proof Your Work and Skills

Portfolios are not just for designers or photographers. Students from any major can also have a portfolio! Examples of portfolio contents:

• Academic papers, essays, or articles.
• Research results or projects from campus.
• Design work, photos, or videos (for students in creative fields).
• Apps or websites (for students studying IT).
• Activity reports or program documentation.

Tip: Utilize platforms like Google Drive, Notion, or even create a personal website to organize and display your work.

4. Regularly Update and Review

CVs and portfolios are ever-evolving documents. Every time you participate in a new activity, achieve a win, or complete a project, add it to the list. Take some time each semester to update everything.

Bonus: Keep important document files (such as certificates, internship letters, publications) in one folder in the cloud for easy access whenever needed.

Creating a CV and portfolio as a student is not only about preparing for the world of work, but it also helps you understand your potential and the journey you are building. The earlier you start, the better you can chart your career course. So, don't wait until your final semester-start now and make your CV and portfolio a tool to open more doors of opportunity in the future.

Watch the detailed difference between CV and portfolio on @RadioSmartFM video channel!